RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Today marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging community members to seek preventative care and screening for TB. World TB day is on March 24, and according to RHHD, Tuberculosis is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. Dr. Stephanie Leary, pediatrician and RHHD Public Health Physician shares that, "Tuberculosis is currently the world's leading cause of death from an infectious agent," Leary then added "Tuberculosis infection and disease is preventable and curable. Today, at the Richmond Henrico Health Districts, we recognize World TB Day while we bring awareness of this disease to our local community." According to RHHD, there are two types of TB-related conditions, active tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or inactive TB. People with active TB usually feel sick and have the symptoms that can spread to other people, while those with inactive TB don't feel sick nor have symptoms and cannot spread TB to others. However, RHHD Tuberculosis Program strives to prevent, identify, and treat tuberculosis in both its latent and active forms. Some general symptoms for active TB disease include: Feelings of sickness or weakness Weight loss Fever Night sweats Some genera symptoms of active TB disease of the lungs include: Coughing (especially a cough that won't go away) Chest pain Coughing up blood TB typically affects the lungs, however it can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys and the spine, in addition if a person with TB does not receive treatment it can result in death. People with TB are most likely to spread it with people who they share constant contact with such as family members, or coworkers. For individuals who may have been in contact with someone with TB they should contact their doctor or local health department for tests -- staff at RHHD can also help those individuals determine which TB test they need. Community members can also call 804-482-5500 to schedule an appointment with the RHHD Tuberculosis Program, or visit RHHD website. For more information about TB and to find out if you may be at risk, you can contact your doctor or visit the Virginia Department of Health's website. ...read more read less